Continuous container closing device



Dec 5, 1967 M. c. JAHN CONTINUOUS CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 25, 1965 s Y R m v O A T MJ A EC. V

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Dec. 5, 1967 M. c. .JAHN

CONTINUOUS CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 25, 1965 INNEN-ron Maman C. JAHN Afrvs.

Dec. 5, 1967 M. c. JAHN 3,355,858

CONTINUOUS CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICE Filed Jan. 25, 1965 m e sheet eet 5 m :24 .9 al zu IOO 94 I. MJA

M. C. JAHN Dec. 5, 1967 CONTINUOUS CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICE 6 Sheets-Sheet 4.

Filed Jan. 25, 1965 Dec. 5, 1967 M. C. JAHN 3,355,858

CONTINUOUS CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICE Filed Jan. 25, 1965 6 Sheets-Sheet AT1-vs,

6 Sheets-Sheet 6 M. C. JAHN CONTINUOUS CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICE Dec. 5, 1967 Filed Jan. 25, 1965 United States Patent Office 3,355,858 Patented Dec. 5, 1967 3,355,858 CONTINUOUS CONTAINER CLDSING DEVICE Marion C. Jahn, Highland Park, Ill., assignor to Colborne Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Iliinois Filed Jan. 25, 1965, Ser. No. 427,989 11 Claims. (Cl. 53-303) The instant invention relates to continuous container closure devices. Particularly the invention relates to means for securing lids to containers moving on a straight line conveyor.

In commercial food manufacture, such as the manufacture of frozen cakes and pies, for example, particular products are adapted to be packaged in individual containers fabricated from thin metal sheet or foil for subsequent storage, shipment and display in the market place. According to conventional commercial procedure, a food product or article is placed in a container having a top opening, and such opening is thereafter closed with a lid. Because of possible rough handling which may be experienced by a container between the time of packaging and product use, such as by potential customers inspecting a displayed package in a retail market, it is essential that a lid be well secured to its container to preclude undesired container opening.

Conventional and established eflicient procedures for the manufacture and packaging of food products provide for product movement in as stra-ight and continuous a line as circumstances permit considering product characteristics and means for processing and packaging thereof. Inasmuch as continuous, straight line production is considered most economical, factors or procedures which tend to interrupt iiow of goods or cause varying rates at which the materials iiow should be minimized and, when possible, eliminated.

To obtain rigid securance of lids on containers of the described class, operations or lidding procedures are required which will insure adequate lid retention. However, such procedures require time to complete, generally in proportion to the rigidity of the securance. As the time requirement for the lidding operation increases, problems connected with provision of suitable devices to keep flow interruption or variance of rate thereof at a minimum multiply.

For example, a lidding device could include a plurality of successive reciprocative mechanisms moving up and down vertically, with each coming in Contact briefly with successive containers moving thereunder at a constant rate in a straight line, and as the result of a plurality of brief successive operations on each container, lids would become rigidly secured on their respective containers. But because of the time required to complete each seeurance, many separate reciprocative mechanisms would be required. More desirable would be substantially fewer mechanisms for causing lid securance. They would be capable of moving in a straight path along the line, and at the same rate as the ow of moving containers, to the end that a single tool or single mechanism could remain in contact with a lid and its container for a relatively long period while its `operation was being performed.

In accordance with the instant invention, and as an object thereof, there is provided an improved device for continuously applying and securing lids to containers conveyed at a constant rate in a straight line.

Additionally, it is an object of the instant invention to provide an improved container closure device for secur ing lids on containers conveyed continuously in a straight line and having a lid securing mechanism which is reciprocative in a plane `normal to the plane of the container and so arranged that the lid securing mechanism is gradually brought into contact with successive containers on which lids have been previously laid, and thereafter moves with such containers along their straight path of travel while lid securing operat-ions are being performed.

A further object of the instant invention is the provi- Sion in a continuous closure device of a reciprocative member orbiting about a iixed axis in a vertical plane for securing a lid to a container and which is provided with means whereby the reciprocative member is held with the lid for a predetermined time as the same is conveyed in a lineal path parallel with the plane of the orbiting member and at a rate faster than the rate of forward movement of the reciprocative member.

Another object of the instant invention is the provision of a container closure device having means including a forming die for bending a portion of a container over a lid to rigidly secure the lid to the container, and means for rotating the die about a fixed axis lying above and in a plane normal to a line of continuously moving containers on which lids to be secured have been deposited.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a lidding machine or the like in which a iat lid is secured on a container by crimping or forming the edge of a container about a lid with a lid-forming die which is reciprocated relative to the container along a circular path, and

having means for applying a horizontal force to said die in the direction of co-ntainer movement whereby the die is held with the container for a predetermined time as it moves longitudinally along a straight line path.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and appended claims, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference character or numeral refers to like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

On the drawings:

FIG. l is a side perspective view of a straight line conveyor having means'for continuously feeding and securing lids on containers and embodying one form of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through a portion of the conveyor and illustrating the lid feeding means.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the lid feeding means taken transversely of the longitudinal axis of the conveyor substantially on the line 33 of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the vacuum control for the lid feeding mechanism and taken substantially on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view adjacent and downstream of the lid feeding means and illustrating the means for moving lids from the lid-holding magazine and taken on the line 5 5 of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 6 is a view taken substantially along the line 6-6 of FIG. 2 and looking in the direction of the arrows and illustrating the mechanism for permitting intermittent feeding of container covers or lids.

FIG. 7 is a view looking at the back of the lid or cover magazine and taken substantially on the line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a portion of the conveyor and illustrating a lid securing mechanism.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view transversely of the longitudinal axis of the conveyor, and taken substantially on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8 and looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. l0 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 10H10 of FIG. 8 and looking in the direction of the arrows and illustrating the lid securing mechanism.

FIG. 1l is a sectional view similar to FIG. 10, however showing disposition of the lid securing mechanism in another phase.

FIG. 12 is a sectional View similar to FIG. 10, however showing Adisposition of the lid securing mechanism in yet another phase.

FIG. 13 `is a sectional view similar to FIG. l0 but illustrating d-isposition of parts in yet another phase.

FIG. 14 is a vertical transverse sectional view through the lid securing mechanism illustrating disposition of parts substantially in the same phase as FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a vertical transverse sectional view similar to FIG. 14, however of another lid securing mechanism.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the entire lidding machine is seen in FIG. 1. It comprises an elongated longitudinally extending housing, generally designated by numeral 20. The housing is fabricated of suitable metal, and its opposite left and right side walls 21 and 22, respectively, are spaced apart to accommodate a framework only a portion of which is disclosed in the drawings as the framework -is not critical to the instant invention.

In FIGS. 5 and 9, the opposite side walls 21 and 22 of the housing 20 are seen -in transverse section which discloses the side walls as parallel to each other and extending longitudinally of the machine. In FIG. 9, a portion of a conveyor support is also shown. It comprises a pair of upper track studs 23 and 24 the outer end portions of which are rigidly secured in any suitable manner, such as by welding or the like, to the inner surfaces of the housing side members 21 and 22, respectively.

The upper track studs 23 and 24 which extend inwardly from side walls 21 and 22, respectively, are disposed in a substantially common horizontal plane and comprise a pair of a plurality of like upper track studs (not shown) which are similarly secured to the side housing members 21 and 22 in spaced apart positions longitudinally of the housing 26 to provide a support for a pair of elongated upper track members which extend longitudinally of the housing member 2t).

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the track members 25 are horizontally spaced apart and are right angular in cross section with depending legs rigidly secured against the inner end faces of the upper track studs 23 and 24, respectively, by any adequate fasteners such as bolts 26.

Attention is now invited to FIG. 1, wherein there are seen in horizontal alignment a plurality of fasteners 23 which rigidly secure, against the inner surfaces of the housing side walls 21 and 22, the outer end portions of lower track assemblies (not shown). The lower track assemblies together with the upper track members 25 provide a means for guiding an endless conveyor 27 longitudinally of housing 2t) between side walls 21 and 22, as illustrated in the drawings.

Having further reference to FIG. 1, a plurality of fasteners 29 are disclosed which secure end portions of housing framework tie rods (not shown) to the side walls 21 and 22.

Fasteners 30 seen in FIG. 1 comprise alternative fastenings for the outer end portions of some of the upper track studs 23, and the fasteners 31 which are seen hori- Zontally aligned in FIG. 1 provide the means whereby upper housing framework tie rods (not shown) are secured in supporting position in a conventional manner.

Suitably mounted on what may be considered the front end portion of the machine is the prime mover means in the form of a motor 32. Any suitable frame appendment may be employed to support the motor 32. A sprocket chain 33 transmits the motor torque from a sprocket wheel 34, which is rigidly secured on the motor shaft 35, to an enlarged drive sprocket wheel 36. An adjustable idler 37 operably engages chain 33. Said idler is journalled on a shaft 38 which is adjustable vertically in a forward end portion of the housing 2l), whereby tension on the sprocket chain 33 may be adjusted, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

To provide portability for the housing 20, a pair of wheel carriages, generally designated by numeral 39 and extending transversely of housing 20, are secured by welding or the like in spaced apart relationship at opposite end portions of the housing 2G. Each wheel carriage 39 is adapted to accommodate a pair of caster wheels 46 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 26 in the manner illustrated in FIG. l.

Having reference now to the conveyor 27, it is seen in FIG. 1 that said conveyor comprises an endless belt having an upper and lower course. The bottoms of a plurality of pan holders 4l, only some of which have been numbered in FIG. 1, are rigidly secured to the belt comprising the conveyor 27. The upper ends of said pan holders define top orifices t2 which face outwardly from the conveyor. The pan holders 451 are equally spaced longitudinally of the path of movement of the conveyor7 and they are connected together in pairs by rigid longitudinal webs 244, the function of which will become apparent hereinafter.

Each of the pan holders provides a rigid frame for holding a pan, or an open top container, 82 which can be deposited in its holder El through orifice 42. The design of pan 82 as well as its fabrication may be the same as that found ordinarily in frozen food chests in retail markets for holding articles such as frozen cakes and the like, for example, a rectangular container of metal foil or crimpable metal construction. To the end that loading of the pans 82 into successive pan holders 41 is facilitated, the housing 20 provides at the rear end portion thereof a table 253 which is adapted to accommodate article containing pans, as illustrated to the right of FIG. l.

It is appreciated that the movement of the conveyor 27 is counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 1. Restated, the upper flight of conveyor 27 moves from right to left in FIG. l. Therefore, after the pan holders 41 move away from table 253, they are conveyed or carried beneath a lid applying mechanism generally designated as 43. There a lid 81 is applied to the pan 82 held in each pan holder 41. After a lid 81 has been applied, the container and the lid are secured together in the lid securing means.

In the instant illustration, lid securance has been divided into substantially two steps. In each of the steps, mechanisms are employed which embody the invention herein disclosed. The particular differences in each of the mechanisms will become apparent hereinafter. At this point Ain the description, however, suffice it to say that the first lid securing mechanism is identified generally as 44, and the second lid securing mechanism is identified generally as 45. From the lid applying mechamsm 43, a pan holder 4i together with its pan 32 filled with an article to be packaged is first carried beneath and then beyond the rst lid securing mechanism 44 and thereafter beneath and then beyond the second lid securing mechanism 45.

The pan holders 41 are next conveyed between a pair of take-off rails 46, only one of which is seen in FIG. 1. The take-off rails 45 are suitably secured by any conventional means adjacent the inner surfaces of a pair of spaced apart parallel housing plates 47 and 48. The housing plates 47 and 48 extend upwardly from, and, at their lower end portions, are secured to opposite forward front-end portions of the housing side walls 21 and 22, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The take-off rails 46- are elongated and slope upwardly as they extend forwardly. The rear ends of the take-off rails 46 are disposed at a level which results in engagement thereof under the lip 163 on opposite sides of succcssive pans 82 held in the pan holders 41. Thereby, sucoessive pans 82 are lifted from said pan holders 41 as said pan holders pass beneath the take-olf rails 46.

The take-off rails 46 and the housing extensions 47 and 48 comprise static portions of the pan removal mechanism generally designated as 49 in FIG. 1. The means for driving the moving parts of pan removal mechanism 49 include a gear wheel Silv which is operably connected to the prime mover means.

Gear wheel 50 is mounted on a shaft (not shown) which is journalled in a forward end portion of the housing wall 21. Gear wheel 50 meshes with a superposed gear wheel 51, as illustrated to the left of FIG. 1. The gear wheel 51 is operably secured on a stub shaft 52 which is suitably journalled in the housing plate 47.

A sprocket wheel 53 is operably secured on the shaft 52 and is disposed between the housing plate 47 and the gear wheel 51. By means of a sprocket chain 54, the sprocket wheel 53 transmits the torque of the gear 50 to a small sprocket wheel 55. An idler 56 carried on the housing plate 47 and in engagement with the chain 54 provides thereon the means by which tension can be adjusted.

The sprocket wheel 55 is mounted on an end portion of a shaft 57 which is disposed outwardly of the housing plate 47. The shaft 57 extends transversely of and is journalled in the housing plates 47 and 48. Said shaft 57 carries a pair of sprocket wheels (not seen in the drawings) adjacent the inner surfaces of housing plates 47 and 48. Said unseen sprocket wheels on the shaft 57 are operably connected to a pai-r of spaced apart sprocket wheels 58 by means of a pair of transversely spaced sprocket chains 59 which extend longitudinally of the housing plates 47 and 48 adjacent the inner surfaces thereof.

The spaced sprocket chains 59 define an endless driven conveyor which slopes upwardly substantially parallel to the sloping take-off rails 46. The flights of such conveyor comprise a plurality of transversely extending and spaced apart cleats 60, only some of which have been numbered in FIG. 1, and the opposite ends of which are rigidly secured in any suitable fashion to the opposed sprocket chains 59.

The flight cleats 60 carry outwardly extending lingers 61, only some of which are labeled in the drawing. Said ngers 61 of successive flights 60, respectively, are adapted to engage behind successive containers 82 as the same are lifted by the take-off yarms 46 from the pan holders 41. The thus lifted and engaged pans 82 are then pushed by respective fingers 61 upwardly along the takeoff arms 46 which provide a track on which the opposite portions of the peripheral lips 163 of the containers 82 slide.

An adjustable conveyor framework 62, seen to the left of FIG. 1, carries a belt conveyor (not shown) the -rear end portion of which is disposed adjacent the front end portion of the take-off rail or arms 46. The unseen conveyor carried by the conveyor framework 62 receives the lidded packages which drop from the forward end of the arms 46 and carries them away for packing, into shipping containers, for example. The unseen conveyor carried by the adjustable framework 62 is driven by a gear 63 which meshes with the gear wheel 51, as illustrated to the left of FIG. l.

Reference is now had to thedetails of construction of the lid applying mechanism 43. Particularly in such regard, attention is invited to FIGS. 1-7, inclusive. The power for driving the lid applying mechanism 43 is transmitted by a sprocket chain 64 which is driven by a drive sprocket 65, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The drive sprocket 65 is mounted on a shaft 66 which is journalled in the housing side member 21 and which may carry on an inner portion thereof a suitable means such as a sprocket wheel (not shown) for operably connecting the shaft 66 to the prime mover 34. The manner in which the sprocket chain 64 serves to move the various components of the lid applying mechanism 49 will become apparent hereinafter.

The lid applying mechanism comprises a lid magazine generally designated as 67, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The magazine 67 includes an angularly disposed lid tray 68 having an opening 69 the areal dimensions of which are substantially the same as the like dimensions of each lid 81, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5 and 7. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the tray 68 extends transversely of the machine with its opposite upwardly extending anges 70 rigidly secured to a pair of housing side extension plates 71 and 72, respectively.

The pair of side extension plates 71 and 72 comprise guard plates for the lid applying mechanism 43. Said plates 71 and 72 extend upwardly from and in substantially the same plane as the opposite housing side walls 21 and 22, respectively, and they are disposed in parallel relationship with each other. Said plates 71 and 72 have their lower end portions suitably fastened to the upper end portions of the housing side walls 21 and 22 by conventional fasteners 73.

Referring again to the magazine 67, the tray 68 thereof slopes forwardly downward toward the conveyor 27 in a manner clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, and with said tray 68 disposed well above the conveyor 27. A framework 74 comprising a plurality of spaced apart parallel members extends forward from the tray 68. The inner or lower end portions of the members comprising the framework 74 are rigidly secured to the base or tray 68, and said framework members define a columnar space 75 which may be rectangular in cross section. The space 75 extends angularly upwardly from the base 68 to accommodate a stack 76 of lids 81 which may be of rectangular configuration, as illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 1 and 2.

To support additionally the magazine 67, a pair of angularly disposed side arms 77, the lower end portions of which are rigidly secured to housing extension plates 71 and 72, respectively, extend upwardly from said plates. A transversely extending tie rod 254 which has its opposite ends rigidly secured to the upper end portions of the arms 77 is rigidly connected to the members comprising the magazine frame 74, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, an enlongated lid slide 78 having parallel side flanges 79 is disposed angularly with respect to the conveyor 27 adjacent lid magazine 67. The slide 78 has a pair of apertures Si) which are in operable alignment with the opening 69 in the magazine tray 68, for a reason which will be hereinafter apparent. The slide 78 is essentially a at plate, the angular disposition of which with respect to the horizontal is less than the angular disposition of the tray 68, by reason of which the side 7S extends forwardly from behind the lid magazine 67 and underneath said magazine, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5.

The width of the slide 78 is at least equal to the width of a lid 81 as the slide will serve to deliver successive lids 81 withdrawn from the bottom of the stack 76 in a manner to be hereinafter described. For such purpose, the lower end portion S3 of the slide 78 is disposed at a level which is just slightly above the level which will be occupied by the top of a pan 82 disposed in a pan holder 41 as they move with the conveyor, or to the left with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the direction of arrow 84.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, a pair of transversely aligned braces 85 have their outer end portions rigidly secured to the plates 71 and 72, respectively. Said braces 85 extend inwardly toward each other with their inner end portions 86 horizontally spaced apart and rigidly secured to opposite sides of slide 78 in any suitable fashion.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, a suction mechanism 87 is disposed behind the slide 78. The suction mechanism 87 comprises a tubular U-shaped member 88 carrying on its opposite ends in communicative connection a pair of suction cups 90. A pair of collars 89 are secured S about the upper end portions of the opposite legs of tribuar member 88 adjacent said suction cups 90.

The suction cups 90 are operably aligned with aper- ;ures S provided in the slide 73; and said cups are adapted to rock back and forth through said apertures into engagement with the bottom of the stack 75, whereby lids 81 may be removed successively from the bottom of the stack 76.

To rock the suction cups 90 into and out of engagement with the bottom of the stack 76, there are provided a pair of parallel spaced apart rigid rocker arms 91 which extend in a general upward direction and tne outer end portions of which are rigidly secured to the collars 89. The lower end portions of the arms 91 are adjustably mounted about a transversely extending shaft 92, as best seen in FIG. 5. The opposite end portions of shaft 92 are journalled in journalling `blocks 93 which are secured by conventional means, such as fasteners 94, to the side extension plates 71 and 72, respectively.

The rocker arms 91 are adjustable on the shaft 92 by reason of a rigid tube section 95 which is clearly illustrated in FIG. 5. The tube section 95 is adjustable rotatably about a medial portion of the shaft 92 to which said tube section 95 is releasably secured by means of suitable fasteners such as opposed set screws 96 which releasably bear against the shaft 92, as illustrated in FIG. 5. At the opposite end portions of the tube section 95, the lower end portions of the arms 91 are secured, respectively. Thereby, the operation of the suction cups 90 can be finely integrated or synchronized with other reciprocative components which will be hereinafter descri-bed.

A hub 93, which is rigidly secured to an upper end portion of an elongated rocker arm 97, rigidly connects said rocker arm to the shaft 92. At its opposite end portion, the rocker arm 97 has therein an elongated longitudinally extending slot 99, as illustrated in FIG. 2 By reason of the foregoing, the suction cups 90 will rock as the rocker arm 97 is rocked about the axis of shaft 92.

A stub shaft 100, which is illustrated in FlGS. l and 5, extends through housing plate 71, being journalled in bearing means `101. Said bearing means include bearing housing members 102 secured to the left side wall extension 71 by any suitable means, such as fasteners 103. On an outer end portion thereof, the shaft 100 has rigidly secured thereto by any conventional means the hub 10@ of a sprocket Wheel 105, as illustrated in FlG-S. l and 5. The sprocket chain 64, heretofore described, transmits the prime mover force from the sprocket wheel 65 to the sprocket wheel 105 to rotate the stub shaft I100.

The hub y106 of a centrally apertured plate 107 is secured in the conventional fashion on the inner end portion of the stub shaft 1i0 so that the plate 107 rotates with said stub shaft 100. The plate 107 carries a pin 108 which extends outwardly from the plate 107 normal to the surface thereof, with the inner end portion of said pin 108 eccentrically secured on said plate 107 and the outer end portion 109 slidably disposed in the slot 99, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5. Thereby, as said disc or plate i107 rotates, the pin 10S will slide backward and forward in the slot 99 causing the rocker arm 97 and shaft 92 to rock back and forth.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, a valve 110 is carried in bracket members 111 rigidly secured to the left side housing extension 71 by means of suitable fasteners 112. Fasteners l112. connect said bracket members to a rigid housing extension 113, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The valve 110 has a reciprocative valve stem 114. At its outer end, valve stem 114 carries a bearing cap 11S which bears against an upper end portion of the rocker arm 97. The valve stem 114 may be spring pressed outwardly to urge it into contact with the arm 97. Accordingly, said valve stem 114 will reciprocate as the arm 97 is rocked upwardly and downwardly to rock the shaft 92. Thereby, the valve 110 can control tl e suction force in a vacuum line 116, only a portion of which is shown in the drawings in FlG. 5.

The vacuum line 116 is operably connected at one end to the valve and at its other end to a distributor titting 117 which connects together the opposite portions of the U-shaped tube 88. The valve 110 controls a vacuum produced by a pump (not shown) which is actuated in any suitable manner. As illustrated in FlG. 1, tubes 11S which are connected at one end to an exhaust means or pump (not seen) extend through a grommet 255 in the right housing extension 72. At their opposite ends, said tribes 118 are operably connected to the aforesaid valve 110. The connections of the lines 1-18 to the valve 110 are not seen in the drawings; however, such connection may be by suitable means well known in the art.

The device is reciprocative in a manner that will create a partial vacuum or suction in the vacuum cups 90 when they are engaging a lid 81 which is lowermost in the stack 76 and whiie the arms 91 are being rocked clockwise with respect to FIG. 2, until the removed lid 81 comes into contact with the ripper surface of slide 78. Thereafter, as the suction members 90 continue rocking clockwise, the vacuum will be shut olif because of appropriate movement of the valve stem 114.

By considering FIG. 7 together with FlGS. l and 5, it is appreciated that the opening 69 is slightly larger than the lids S1. On the rear surface of base or tray 68 adjacent opposite top and bottom sides of the opening 69, a pair of straps 119 and 120 are mounted. The straps 119 and 120 are secured to the base 69 by means of fasteners 121. The strap 119 has a pair of transversely spaced ears 122 which extend into the opening 69 from the top. The band or strap 120 has an elongated lip 123 which extends into opening 69 from the bottom medial of said lugs 122, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Provision may be made for adjusting straps 119 and 120 to and away from each other thereby to vary the size of the extension of ears 122 and the lip 123 overhanging the opening 69. By providing such adjustment, lids of varying sizes may be accommodated, and furthermore, relative demand for torque for lid removal from the stack 76 can also thereby be adjusted. That is to say, the lid stack '76 rests upon the ears 122 and upon the lip 123, and singly the lids 81 are pulled by suction from the bottom of the stack 76 beyond the ears 122 and lip 123. Because of the position at which the suction members 90 will engage the lids 81, each lid 31 will be first withdrawn from the ears 1212, and as the members 90 continue withdrawal motion, the balance of each lid 81 will be thereafter withdrawn from engagement with and retention by the lip 123. By adjusting the extension of ears 122 and lip -123 into opening 69, lid withdrawal may be finely synchronized.

As illustrated in FiGS. 2. 5 and 7, a guide member 124 extends normally rearwardly from the bottom of the bar or strip 119 and is disposed between the ears or lugs 122. Said guide member will guide removed lids 81 toward the slide 78 as the same are withdrawn by the suction members 90.

After Withdrawal of a lid 81 from the bottom of the magazine 67, the lower surface of such withdrawn lid S1 will be engaged by the slide 78. Simultaneously, the suction members 90 will pass through the apertures 80 in the slide 78, and the partial vacuum or suction thereupon is cut olf. Thereupon, a removed lid will slide downwardly toward the slide end portion 33, that is, to the left in FlG. 2, or lower end portion of the slide 73.

The means for permitting intermittent removal of successive lids 81 from the slide 78 include a sprocket wheel 125 which is driven by the sprocket chain 64, as illustrated in FIG. l. As illustrated in FG. 6, the hub 126 of the sprocket wheel 125 is rigidly secured to a stub shaft 127. Stub shaft 127 extends through housing extension 71 and is journallcd in a bearing member 123 carried in a bearing housing 129 which is mounted by any suitable 9 means in the housing extension 71. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the hub 136 of a cam or disc 131 is adjustably secured on the inner end portion of the shaft 127.

As iiiustrated in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the lower end portion 83 of the slide 78 is supported by a transversely eX- tending bar or rod 132 the opposite ends of which may be rigidly secured to the side housing walls 71 and 72. The securance may be by welding the under surf-ace of slide 78 to a medial portion of the rod or support member 132.

The lower end portion 83 of said slide 78 has an elongated transverse slot 133 disposed in the path of the moving lids 81. A pair of lingers 141 have upwardly bent portions 134 which retractably extend through the slot 133 intermittently to stop successive lids 31 as they approach the end of the slide 78.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the lower end portions of the fingers 141 are threaded into a short transverse finger mount 135 which is disposed below and behind said slide 78. The securance of said ngers 141 to the mount 135 is achieved by means of lock nuts 136.

A hanger comprising three horizontally spaced apart arms 137, 138 and 139, the inner ends of which are rigidly secured to the transversely extending bar 132, in their outer end portions provide a journal for a rockable shaft 141i. The finger mount 135 is adjustably secured on an end portion of the shaft 140 which is disposed between the arms 137 and 138. Said finger mount 135 is releasably secured to the shaft 140' by any suitable means. Adjustability of the angular position of the fingers 141 with respect to the shaft 14dy permits synchronization of the movement of said fingers with the movement of other components. It is appreciated, of course, that the mount 135 will rock with the shaft 140 after securance thereto. Rocking of the shaft 140 will carry the finger tips 134 into and out of the slot 133 intermittently to permit timed release of the lids on slide 78.

To rock the shaft 140, and accordingly the fingers 141, the hub portion 142 of a cam follower arm 143 is adjustably secured on an end portion of the shaft 146 between the support arms 138 and 139. Adjustability of the cam follower 143 is for purposes of ne synchronization of the operation of the fingers 141. Cam follower 143 is spring actuated in any suitable manner, whereby engagement of cam follower 143 and the cam 131 is maintained. As the cam 131 rotates, it causes the spring-urged cam follower 143 to rock in accordance with the contour of said cam 131 thereby to rock the shaft 140. Accordingly, operation of the fingers 141 is controlled to retract or withdraw the finger tips 134 from the slot or aperture 133 intermittently.

As the finger tips 134 are withdrawn intermittently from the aperture 133, lids 81 may be successively fed from the end portion 83 of the slide 78 into top openings 144 of successive containers 82, as the same are conveyed into position at the end portion 83 of the slide 78. Delivery or feeding of the successive lids 81 from the end portion 83 into conveyed pans 82 is effected by a lid feeder and applicator mechanism generally designed by the numeral 145, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

T he lid feeder 145 comprises a plurality of outwardly extending arms 146 which project radially from a shaft 147. Shaft 147 provides a fixed axis of rotation for said arms 146 in a vertical plane which extends longitudinally of housing 20. At its inner end portion, each of the arms 146 is rigidly secured to a collar 148 which may be adjustably mounted on the shaft 147. Thereby, the relative position of the arms 146 with respect to the conveyed pan holders 41 can be adjusted to synchronize delivery of successive lids S1 into successive containers 82.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the outer end portion of each of the arms 146 is hollow to accommodate the stem 149 of an associated work piece 156'. Each work piece 15) is rigidly secured on the outer end portion of its respective stem 149 and the opposite end portions of the stems 149 are mounted in and adjustable longitudinally of their respective arms 146, being secured in adjusted positions by suitable means such as set screws 151.

The Work pieces 150 are in the form of large pads and may be of elastomer fabrication. In any event, the outer or work surface 152 of each pad 150 preferably has non-slip or non-skid characteristics.

The illustrated lid feeder device is designed to rotate arms 146 in a clockwise direction with respect to FIG. 2. The height of the shaft 147 as Well as the extension of stems 149 is such that the work surface 152 of each work piece 151) will be driven into frictional engagement with a lid 81 at the end portion 83 of the slide 78. Also the entire system is operated in such a fashion that as successive rotating work pieces 150i engage successive lids 81 to sweep the same from the end 83 of the slide 78, the tips 134, which provide an intermittent stop for such successive lids 81, will have been withdrawn from the slot 133, and, successive lids 81 will be swept from slide 78 onto successive pan openings 144 ras the holders 41 are moved by the conveyor belt 27 in the direction of arrow To rotate the lid feeder 145, the shaft 147 is journalled in opposed bearings 153 carried in bearing housings or blocks 154 which are secured by conventional fasteners 155 to the opposite housing extensions 71 and 72, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The hub of a gear 156 is rigidly secured on an outer end portion 157 of the shaft 147, which portion 157 extends outwardly from the left housing member 71. The gear 156 is disposed above and meshes with a gear 158 the h-ub of which is rigidly secured to a stub shaft 159. The stub shaft 159 is disposed below shaft portion 157 and is journalled in a bearing 166i suitably supported by left housing extension 71, as illustrated in FIGS. l and 3.

A sprocket wheel 161 operably mounted on the shaft 159, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, is disposed between the gear 158 and the left housing extension 71 and is driven by the aforedescribed sprocket chain 64 in a manner most clearly illustrated in FIG. 1.

From the foregoing it is apparent that sprocket wheel 65 drives not only the sprocket wheels 105 and 125 but also the sprocket wheel 161 through the endless sprocket chain 64. To adjust the tension on the sprocket chain 64, an idler 162 mounted in any conventional manner on the left housing extension 71 may be employed, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

After the lids 81 have been applied to the pans 82 by the lid applying mechanism 43, the lids are secured. Such securance may be achieved in essentially two successive operations, performed respectively by the first lid securing means 44 and the second lid securing means 45.

To understand well the structure and operation of the first and second lid securing means 44 and 45, attention is rst invited to FIG. 2, at the right of which a pan 82 is shown deposited in a pan carrier 41, prior to the inser tion therein of a lid 81. At the left of FIG. 2, as well as in FIG. 3, a lid 81 has just been deposited in pan 82 by lid feeder 145.

Attention is now invited to the construction of a container or pan 82. The upper end portion of each container or pan is outwardly struck or formed to provide a horiiontal peripheral shoulder 163. The shoulder 163 engages the peripheral portion or rim 164 of the lid 81 thereby to support the same, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. An opstanding flange 165 extends from the outer end of the shoulder 163 prior to the lid securing operation, and is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5. At such time, said pan flange 165 defines an opening the girth of which is greater than that of a lid 81 to accommodate insertion of the lid into the pan 82.

Thereafter, in the rst lid securing operation, fiange 165 is bent inwardly, at an angle of .about 45 over the peripheral portion 164 of lid or cover 81, as illustrated at 144 in FIG. 15. Subsequently, in the second and final lid securing operation, the flange 16S is flattened upon the peripheral lid portion 164 and perforated, as illustrated in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14.

Except for the design of the dies, which will be more particularly described hereinafter, used in bending flanges 165 in the successive lid securing operations, and except for other details of construction which will with particularity be described and distinguished subsequently, the mechanisms employed in the two lid securing operations are substantially the same. Therefore, from a description of details relating to the construction of one of the lid securing means, the structure of the other will be understood. In the drawings, the second or final lid securing means 45 is shown in detail in FIGS. 9, ll, l2, 13 and 14. Within the framework of the foregoing statement regarding differences in the lid securing means 44 and 55, and for the purpose of facilitating description, similar parts in each of the lid securing means 44 and 4S will be identied with the same indicia or numerals t obviate repetitions characterization.

Each of the lid closing means 44 and 45 is housed between a pair of parallel transversely spaced side wail housing extension plates, the left thereof being identified by the numeral 166 and the right thereof being identified by numeral 167. The housing extensions or hanger plates 166 and 167 extend vertically upwardly from the housing side members 21 and 22, respectively, with the lower end portions of said extension plates 166 and 167 being sccured to the upper end portions of side housing members 21 and 22, respectively, by means of suitable fasteners 168, .as illustrated, in FIGS. 1 and 9. As illustrated in FIGS. l, 8 and 9, a pair of tie rods comprising a front tie rod 185 and a rear tie rod 186 reinforce and rigidify the housing extensions 166 and 167 of each of the lid securing mechanisms 44 and 45. The tie rods 185 and 186 are longitudinally spaced and extend transversely of the longitudinal axis of the housing 20. The opposite ends of said tie rods are secured by suitable fasteners such as screws or the like 187 to the upper opposite end portions, respectively, of said plates or housing extensions 166 and 167.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9, a transversely extending shaft 169 is operably connected in the power train of each lid securing means 44 and 45. Each of said shafts 169 has its opposite end portions journalled in bearings 17) which are carried in respective bearing houses 171. Bearing housings 171 are secured to housing side walls or panels 21 and 22, respectively, below conveyor 27, by means of conventional fasteners 172.

The hubs 173 of a pair of spaced apart drive sprockets 174 are splined, as indicated at 175, to opposite end portions of each shaft 169, adjacent the inner surfaces of side walls 21 and 22, respectively. Set screws 176, only some o'f which have been numbered in FIG. 9, releasably secure hubs 173 to the respective shafts 169. The drive sprockets 174 are operably connected to a prime mover means 34 by means of sprocket chains 177.

The hub 178 of a double sprocket member 179 may be splined or equivalently secured on a portion of each shaft 169 extending outwardly to the left of the housing panel 21. By means of a double chain 180, the sprocket 179 drives a double sprocket 1817 as illustrated in FIGS. l and 9. An idler 182 adjustably mounted in the housing extension 166, in any conventional manner, bears on its associated double sprocket chain 189, whereby tension of said chain can be selectively varied. As illustrated in FIG. 8, sprocket 181 is secured on the outer end portion of 21 stub shaft 183 which extends through plate 166. The inner end portion of the stub shaft 183 is journalled in a bearing and disposed in a supporting collar 184 which is rigidly secured to the inner surface of housing extension 166 by welding or equivalent means.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 which is a top plan of thc lid securing means 45, a drive gear 188 is secured on its 12 shaft 183 between associated sprocket wheel 181 and plate 166. Gear 188 is operably connected to and is adapted to drive simultaneously a pair of horizontally spaced crank gears 189 and 19@ in the same direction, namely, clockwise with respect to FIG. 1. The crank gear 189 drives a crank shaft generally designated by the numeral 191. The crank gear 19t) drives a crank shaft generally designated by the numeral 192. rIhe crank shafts 191 and 19.2 are disposed generally transversely, and spaced from each other longitudinally, of the longitudinal axis of the housing 2G. The relationship of said crank shafts 191 and 192 is clearly illustrated in FIG. 8.

To the end that crank shaft 191 is` operated in proper angular relation with the crank shaft 192, the gear 189 is connected to a conventional adjusting flange 193 by means of fasteners such as screws or the like 194. The flange 193 is secured on the outer end of an extension 195 of the crank shaft section 198 which extension 195 projects outwardly through housing plate 166. Accordingiy, the gear 189 can be finely adjusted on the shaft extension 195 to vary the angular relation of the shaft with the drive gear 188, all as illustrated in FIG. 8.

As shown, the section 198 of the crank shaft 191 is suitably journalled in a bearing member 196, rigidly secured to the inner surface of housing extension 166, and a crank 197 is rigidly secured on the inner end of the section 198 of the crank shaft by any suitable or conventional means.

The crank 197 is dened by fiat parallel side walls and it is disposed adjacent and parallel to housing extension 166. The crank shaft 191 aso includes a second crank 199, disposed parallel with the crank 197 but adjacent the housing extension 167.

The crank 199 is suitably secured on the inner portion Ztl() of a second crank shaft section 201. The crank shaft section 21.11 is journaled in a suitable bearing 211.?. which is rigidly secured to the inner surface of the housing member 167 by welding or equivalent means well known in the art.

To the end that the crank shaft 19?. may be angularly adjusted relative to gear 19t), an adjusting flange 203 is mounted on an extension 294- of the crank shaft section 2.87. rlhe extension 2M projects through housing plate 166 and gear 1911 is adjustably secured to the flange 263 by means of fasteners such as screws and the like 20S, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

The crankshaft section 2117 is journallcd in a bearing 206 the outer cnd portion of which is rigidly secured by welding or equivalent means to the inner surface of wall 166. On its inner end the crank shaft section 267 carries a crank 208 which is secured to said section by any suitable or conventional means.

Crank 268 is defined by a pair of parallel side walls and it is disposed adjacent and parallel to the housing extension 166. Crank preferab'y is disposed in substantially the same vertical plane as and disposed to the rear of crank 197.

The crank 208 is parallel to and transversely spaced from a second crank 209 mounted adjacent plate 1,67 on the inner end 210 of the crank shaft section 211. As shown, the crank shaft section 211 is journalled in a bearing member 212 which is rigidly secured by means such as -welding or the like to the inner surface of the wall 167, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

The foregoing arrangement of parts places the crank 209 in a vertical plane common with the crank 199. The crank 289, however, is spaced rearwardly from the crank 199.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the lid securing means comprises a pair of crank shafts 191 and 192 which may be characterized as being disposed transversely of the longitudinal axis of the path of movement of the conveyor 27 in the direction of arrow S4. Additionally, it is observed that each crank shaft 191 and 192 has a pair of cranks, namely, cranks 197 and 199, which are mounted on opposite end portions 198 and Zill, respectively, of

crank shaft 191, and cranks 208 and 209 which are mounted on opposite end portions 207 and 211, respectively, of crank shaft 192. Furthermore, the cranks on each of the crank shafts 191 and 192 are spaced apart from each other transversely of the path of movement of conveyor 27 with one crank of each crank shaft adjacent the wall extension 166 and the other adjacent the housing extension 167. Yet further, the cranks 197 and 208 are disposed adjacent the pate 166 and lie and rotate in substantially the same vertical plane parallel to plate 166; whereas the cranks 199 and 209 are disposed adjacent the housing extension 167 and also lie and rotate in a common plane parallel to plate 167 and the plane of the other cranks 197 and 208.

Each of the cranks 197, 208, 199 and 209 is of substantially the same design as the others, and, in accordance with the instant invention, each is simultaneously in substantially the same phase or angular position of rotation as the others. Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 9, l0, 1l, 12 and 13, it is seen that each of said cranks comprises a central or hub portion 213 in which there is provided an aperture by means of which each is mounted on its respective crank shaft extension 195, 201, 207 or 211.

`It is also noted that each crank comprises an integral counter balance or weighted arcuately shaped section 214 which extends radially from the central or hub portion 213. Each crank also comprises an integral crank arm 215 which extends diametrically from the arcuate section 214, as illustrated in the drawings.

The outer end portion of each crank arm 215 is apertured lo provide means for rigidly mounting a respective crank pin 216, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The crank .pins 216 extend inwardly from their respective crank arms 215 and are secured by any suitable means including conventional fastening members or locks and the like 217. Accordingly, each ol: the crank shafts 191 and 192 comprises a pair of oppositely extending crank pins 216 which are coaxially aligned and the inner end portions of which are spaced from each other in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The inner end portions of the crank pins 216 of each of the crank shafts 191 and 192 are mounted in the opposite ends ol: an elongated transversely extending tube connector member 218. Each of the tubes 218 provides a journal for its respective pins 216 and extends substantially the entire distance between its associated crank arms 215, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Each assembly thus formed is orbiled about the axis of its respective crank shaft so that as the conveyor 27 and the pan holders 41 are caused to move toward the front of the housing 20, that is, in the direction oli' arrow 84 in FIGS. 2, 10, ll, 12 and 13, the pins 216 as well as the tubes 218 will be caused to travel ciockwisc in the direction of arrows 219, as illustated in l-fiGS. lt), 1l., l2 and 13, about the fixed axes of rotation ol the crank shafts 191 and 192.

A flat master plate or carrier 220 having a substantially centrally disposed aperture 221 is mounted in superposed relation and spaced vertically from the conveyor 27. However, said master plate 220 is disposed below the tubes 218. Opposite end portions of the master plate 220 are rigidly secured to the adjacent ones of the tubes 213 by means of fasteners 222 with the upper surface of said plate 220 in engagement with the tubes 218 in the manner illustrated in the drawings. By reason of the foregoing arrangement, and because the tubes 218 lie in a common plane at each phase of rotation, the master plates 220 will be carrier in a circular orbit over the conveyor 27 as the crank shafts 191 and 192 rotate, with the plane of said master plate or carrier 220 at each orbital phase in parallel with said conveyor 27.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13, a spring mechanism comprising a bearing bracket 223 having an y elongated passage extending longitudinally of housing 20 is secured on the top surface of the master plate 220 by suitable fasteners 224. An elongated pin 225 extends through the passage in said bracket 223 with the longi tudinal axis of said pin 225 extending longitudinally o: the housing 20, that is, longitudinally of the path of move ment in the upper course of conveyor 27. The oppositf end portions of the pin 225 extend outwardly from opposite end portions of the bracket 223. About the rearwardly extending portion of the pin 225, a compressior spring 226 is disposed, the oppositel ends of which abut respectively, the rear face of the bracket 223 and a pir head 227 carried on the rear end portion of the pin 225. An adjustable boss or abutment 228, such as a nut or the like, may be adjustably threaded on the forward end portion of the pin 225. Said abutment or boss 228 limits movement of the pin 225 to the right with respect to FIGS. 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13, and may also be employed to adjust tension of spring 226 in an. obvious manner.

The rear end portion of the longitudinally extending pin 225 is rigidly secured to a second piu or laterally reciprocative force transmission link means 229 which extends vertically and at right angles to the pin 225 through the aperture 221. The securance of the pins 225 and 229 may be by means includinga key 230 which is square in cross section and employed in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 9, 14 and 15. That portion of the pin 229 which is disposed in the aperture 221 is substantially narrower than the slot 221 in its 4front to rear length. Accordingly, and by reason of the foregoing construction, pin 229 may be moved laterally within the limits of the slot 221. Under the action of spring 226, pin 229 will be urged to the right with respect to FIGS. 8, 11, 12 and 13. Under iniluenee of other forces, the nature of which will become hereinafter apparent, the pin 229 may be moved to the left against the force of the spring 226.

The laterally reciprocative pin or link means 229 has a vertically depending head 231 which is disposed below the aperture 221. The head 231 is carried at the lower end of au externally threaded pin portion 232 which iS disposed medially of the pin 229 below the master plate or carrier 220, as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13. The threaded pin portion 232 is threadingly secured in a medial threaded aperture provided therefor in a pan flange bending member or lid fastener tool generally designated by the numeral 233. Thereby, the pin 229 is rigidly connected to and supports said ange bending member 233.

In the embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the flange bending means or lid fastener tool member 233 of the closure mechanism 45 which is illustrated in FIGS. 8-14, inclusive, comprises a bolster plate 234 and a flange closing die member in the form of a plant 235 which are disposed in superposed parallel relationship with each other, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14, inclusive. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 14, the bolster plate 234 and the die member or die plate 235 are preferably substantially rectangular in configuration and substantially equal in length to each other and to the master plate 220. The bolster plate 234 and die plate: 235, however, are wider than the carrier or master plate 220, and, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 14, fasteners 236 connectsaid plates 234 and 235 together.

Although said plates 234 and 235 are connected together in the aforesaid manner, they are under spring pressure tending to space vertically each from the other and resulting from a plurality of compression springs 237 which are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10-13, inclusive, with only part of those shown in FIG. 8 identified. The opposite end portions of springs 237 are disposed in aligned wells 238 and 239 provided in the bolster plate 234 and the die plate 235, respectively, thereby urging said superposed plates 234 and 235 apart within the limits permitted by fasteners 236 and as clearly shown in FIG. 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9, 14 and 15, a plurality of bearing brackets or slides 240 are rigidly secured to the o ,L l5 top of the flange bending member 233, being the top of bolster plate 234 in securing means 45. The securance is laterally of master plate 229 and by suitable means such as screws 241, as illustrated, and only some of which have been numbered in FIG. 8. T he bearing brackets or slides 246 are arranged in a pair of groups disposed along opposite side portions of and extending upwardly from the llange bending member 233, with the brackets or bearing slides 240 of each group spaced longitudinally from each other.

Each bearing r slide 24@ has an inwardly extending right angular overhang or upper extension 242 to provide a pair of longit-udinally extending right angular tracks in which the opposite side portions of the carrier or master plate 220 are slidably disposed.

The head 231 of pin 229 extends through a substantially central aperture 243 which is provided in the die plate 235. The aperture 243 is in vertical alignment with the threaded aperture in the bolster plate 234, as well as the aperture 221. By reason of the foregoing construction, the flange bending mechanism 233 may be slid longitudinally forwardly and backwardly on slides 240 relative to the master plate 22@ within the limits of the slot 221.

As illustrated in FIG. l, 10, l1, 12 and 13, and as previously indicated, the pan holders 41 are connected together in pairs by an integral web or the like 244 of the same height as the respective holders. Each web has an elongated vertical hole or bore 245 which is disposed substantially midway between the holders 41 of each connected pair thereof. The diameter of the bore 245 is substantially the same as the diameter of the head 231 of the pin 229 which said bore is adapted to accommodate in a manner which will be described hereinafter.

Now, having reference to the lid securing means 44, some of the details of construction thereof are illustrated in FlG. 15. Therein it is seen that llange bending member 233 does not have a bolster plate. Accordingly, bearing brackets or slides 240` are carried directly on the upper surface of a die carrying plate 235A. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. l5, because of the lack of a bolster plate, the threaded portion 232 of the pin 229 is rigidly secured in the `die plate 235A. Additionally, the die carrying plate 235A has a pair of llange bending members 247, only one of which is seen in FIG. 15, the pair being to accommodate simultaneously a pair of pans 82 carried in a pair of connected together pan holders 41.

The inner periphery of each bending member 247 is downwardly and outwardly beveled to make simultaneously an initial bend in the anges l65 of successive pairs of pans 82. The bending members 247 in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings thus distinguish the initial 0r first lid securing means 44 from the linal or second lid securing means 45 because each bending surface of die 235 in the second lid securing mechanism 45 is parallel with the plane of the lid and surrounds a respective opening 246 in the die plate 235.

Although the pan holders 41 are uniformly spaced, whereby regular application of lids to successive pans @l can be achieved at a uniform rate in the lid applying mechanism 43, as heretofore described, the pairs of pans S2 carried in successive connected together pairs of pan holders 41 will be treated as successive units in each lid securing means 44 and 45, as previously intimated. That is to say, the crank shafts 191 and X92 of the lid securing means 44 and 45 are so synchronized that the lid bending surface 248 and chamfers 247 will be in operative engagement with flanges l65 only while connected together pairs of pan holders 4l are appropriately disposed beneath said dies 235 and 235A.

The initial lid securing operation in means 44 comprises simultaneously partially bending flanges M5 of a pair of containers 41 from the position shown at the left of FlG. 2 to the position shown in FlG. 14. Therefore, no great force is required to be applied to the lianges as they are constructed of rather easily bendable material. Accordingly, it is not necessary for the die 235A to direct any force against the shoulders 163. Proper spacing of the master plate 220 from the top of the conveyor 27 will preclude undesirable lowering of the die 235A which is preferably always spaced from holders 4l.

After the llanges 16S of a pair of pans 82 have been bent in the manner illustrated in FIG. l5, the pair of connected together pan holders 4l carrying such pans 82 with the 1partially bent flanges 16S are delivered into operative position in the second or final lid securing means 45. There, and as illustrated in FlGS. l0, 11, 12 and 13, the final closure operation occurs on two containers S2 simultaneously. However, in the nal lid securing operation, the hat die surface 248 completely tlattens the theretofore partially bent flanges 165 of a pair of containers 82 over the peripheral lid rims 1.64, as illustrated in FlG. 14. Simultaneously, perforating pins 249 are driven through the flattened flanges X55, the shoulders 163 and the peripheral portions 164 of the lids 81 now trapped between the flanges 164 and said shoulders 163.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-14, inclusive, the upper end portions of the perforating pins 249 are secured in the bolster plate 234 from which said pins depend through vertical apertures 256 provided therefor in die 235. AS illustrated in FIGS. 10-14, inclusive, in which only Some of said perforating pins 249 have been identified by numerals, said pins 249 are disposed peripherally with respeci to a pair of pans 82 to which the lids are being secured by the mechanism 45' and about openings 246. As illustrated in FlGS. 11-14, inclusive, pan holders 4l have apertures 251, only some of which have been numbered and into which perforating tips of pins 249` will be driven as the bolster 234 is lowered.

Because there is no reason to preclude the application of downward force in the final lid securing operation, and to insure a proper crimp or as tight a peripheral seal as is available, substantial downward force to complete the closure is indicated. Accordingly, bolster plate 234 which acts as a vertical shock absorber has been provided in the second or nal lid securing means 45. The manner of operation thereof will become hereinafter apparent.

it will be appreciated that the pan holders 41 are conveyed at a constant lineal rate of Speed. Therefore, each container flange bending member 233 must travel lineally longitudinally of the housing 2li at the same rate as the container holders 41 in order elfectively to bend the flanges 165 in each operation. The operation of the device is such, however, that the flange bending members 233 tend to move orbitally at a constant rate under the torque imparted by crank shafts 1.9i and 192, rather than lineally. Therefore, the flange bending members 233 cannot move at a constant lineal speed longitudinally of the housing Ztl influenced only by the torque of the cranks. The instant device overcomes the aforesaid disparity and reconciles the lineal and orbital motion in a manner most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, inclusive.

Having reference rst to FlG. ll, there is seen the flange bending member 233 at a position with respect to a pair of connected pan holders 41 in which tapered nose 256 of head 2.31 is moving downwardly and has just entered the aperture 245. To minimize jolting or sharp or jerking motion as the flange bending member 233 and pan holder 41 are operatively connected, the nose 256 may enter hole 245 by engaging the rearward edge defining said hole 245. In such position, the pin 23() has not completed its downstroke. Additionally, the lineal rate of speed of conveyor 27 may be greater than the lineal rate at which the llange bending member is moving forward. However, that is of no concern because, as the crank shafts 1.9i and 192 continue further clockwise rotation to the position illustrated in FG. 12, the downward thrust is so 17 great that pin head 231 will be driven into the hole 245, notwithstanding the aforesaid disparity in rates of speed. In the position illustrated in FIG. 12, flange bending member 233 has substantially completed its downward thrust and crimped flanges into substantially nal configuration.

As soon as head 231 reaches the rear portion of the wall defining the aperture 245, the forward linear force against the head 231 caused by the faster lineally moving conveyor 27 is transmitted by the pin 229 to the pin 225. Pin 225 in turn is forced to compress spring 226- in the direction of the lineal movement of the upper course of the conveyor 27 at a rate of speed equal to the difference in the lineal rates of the conveyor 27 and the master plate 220.

Referring now to FIG. 14 which shows the lid bending member 233 of the second closure mechanism 45 in the same phase as that shown in FIG. 12 but at right angles thereto, it is observed that fasteners or studs 236 vare shown forced downwardly with their heads 252 dropped from the recesses 257 in which they normally seat when springs 237 are decompressed. The compression of springs 237 results by reason of absorption of the downward force imparted by the rotating crank shafts 191 and 192 to the bolster plate 234 which is spring buoyed to buffer the great crimping thrust in the final phase of bending of the flanges 165.

As soon as the downstroke has been completed, the torque imparted by the rotating cranks 191 and 192 tends to lift the flange bending or forming member 234 upwardly. During the period required to remove the head 231 of the pin 2.29 from the aperture 245, however, the conveyor 27 is still travelling at a faster rate to the left, as illustrated in and with respect to FIG. 13, than is the flange bending member 233. Accordingly, the spring `226 continues to be compressed as the pin 225 moves forwardly. Springs 237, on the other hand, decompress as soon as the forming member is raised.

The device is constructed, so that just prior to or at the time pin 229 reaches the forward end of slot 221, the head 231 is raised from the aperture 245. Thereafter, the flange bending amember 233 continues its orbit toward upstroke position, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Once the head 231 is freed from aperture 245, the spring 226 will decompress forcing pin 229 to the rearward or right limit of slot 221, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

It is appreciated that the movement of the pin 229 longitudinally under the force applied on head 231 `by the moving containers 41 is translated into a longitudinal forward movement of the flange bending member 233 along the master plate 220. By reason of the foregoing, said ange bending member 233 will maintain proper relationship with the flanges 165 to complete their crimping operations. Upon completion of the flange crimping operation and after the head 231 is released from the aperture 245, pin 229 by reason of the connection at 232 will exert a force under the action of spring 226 to cause the flange bending member 233 to slide rearwardly on master plate 220'.

In accordance with the instant invention, continuous lid securance on pans conveyed at a constant lineal rate is achieved by reason of the fact that movement in a straight horizontal path at a constant rate of speed can be imparted to a working part the movement of which is orbital in a vertical plane without interrupting continuously rotating means required to impart driving force to said working part. r

As many substitutions or changes could be made in the above described construction, and as many apparently widely different embodiments of the invention within the scope of the claims could be constructed without departing from the scope and spirit thereof, it is intended that al1 matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as being illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for continuously securing lids and the like to successive open top pans conveyed in a straight line and comprising a housing power operated movable conveyor means for transporting said pans in succession in a straight line longitudinally of said housing;

a lid applicator for feeding and applying lids to the pans transported by said conveyor;

a carrier and means for movingl said carrier in an orbital path in a plane normal to and parallel with said conveyor, said carrier mounting a lid fastener tool for engaging and securing applied lids on successive pans, and

means for moving said lid fastener tool laterally relative to said carrier during fastener engagement with a pan and at a lineal speed equal to that of the conveyor.

2. The device defined in claim 1 in which said means for moving said tool relative to said carrier comprises a lbolster plate operably engaging said tool and said carrier and secured to one thereof and slidable relative to the other thereof, and means for transmitting the lineal force of the conveyor to the tool,

whereby the tool will move lineally at the speed of the conveyor as it is orbited with the conveyor.

3. The device defined in claim 1 in which said means for moving said lid fastener comprises a holder on said conveyor;

a laterally reciprocative force transmission link means releasably retained by said holder, and

a pair of parts on said lid fastener slidable relative to each other, one of said parts being operably connected to said link means.

4. The device defined in claim 3 further characterized by a spring mechanism mounted on the stationary one of said pair of parts for return of the slidable part to its initial position after having been moved therefrom.

5. The device defined in claim 1 in which the carrier moving means comprises a power driven crank rotatably mounted on said housing transversely of said conveyor means,

a pin secured to said crank eccentric to the axis of rotation thereof, and

means secured to said lid fastener tool for journaling said pin thereon,

whereby as said crank is rotated the lid fastener tool is carried along an orbital path.

6. The device defined in claim 1 in which the carrier moving means comprises a pair of cranks disposed in spaced relationship transversely of said housing;

bearing means mounted in said housing and providing a xed axis of rotation for said cranks;

a tube operably disposed eccentric of said fixed axis and extending between said cranks for mounting said carrier and lid fastener tool, and

pin means connecting said cranks and said tube for transporting said carrier and lid fastener tool in an orbit defined by the gyration of said tube about said fixed axis.

7. The device defined in claim 6 in which said lid fastener tool is characterized by a die member slidably connected to said carrier, and

means for moving said die member relative to the carrier and at the same speed as said conveyor while the die is engaged with a pan.

S. The device defined in claim 7 in which the means for moving said die member comprises a depending -pin secured to said die member;

a spring mechanism carried on said carrier and engaging said pin, and

conveyor driven means for releasably engaging said pin for movement with said conveyor,

said spring returning said pin to its initial position upon release thereof by said conveyor driven v means.

9. The device defined in claim 8 further characterized by said tool carrier having an elongated slot extending longitudinally of the path of movement of said conveyor, said pin extending through said slot, and said tool carrier disposed above said die member.

10. A device for continuously securing lids to successive containers which are conveyed in a straight line, said device comprising a power driven conveyor having spaced holders for transporting a succession of containers in a straight path;

a power driven lid applicator disposed adjacent and for feeding lids onto a succession of containers transported by said conveyor;

a lid fastener tool for bending the rim of a container to secure a lid thereon;

power operated 'means for driving said lid fastener in an orbital path in a plane normal to the conveyor and parallel with the path thereof, and

a releasable link means for engaging said lid fastener with a holder and moving the fastener laterally relative to said power operated means and at the same lineal speed as that of said conveyor, and means for slidably mounting said lid fastener on said power operated means whereby said lid fastener can remain in operative engagement with a container during a lid securing operation thereon.

11. The device defined in claim 10 in which the said releasable link means comprises an apertured container holder secured to said conveyor,

and a pin secured to said lid fastener,

saidpin engaging in the aperture in said container holder as said lid fastener moves Ialong its orbital path, whereby said lid fastener is carried with said conveyor.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,634,723 7/1927 Podel 53--303 2,226,410 12/1940 Podel 53-303 2,340,639 2/1944 Brinton et al. 53-313 X 2,353,200 7/1944 Sundell 53-313 X 2,397,297 3/1946 Sonnenberg 53-314 X 3,100,957 8/1963 King et al. 53-313 X GRANVILLE Y. CUSTER, JR., Primary Examiner. 

1. A DEVICE FOR CONTINUOUSLY SECURING LIDS AND THE LIKE TO SUCCESSIVE OPEN TOP PANS CONVEYED IN A STRAIGHT LINE AND COMPRISING A HOUSING POWER OPERATED MOVABLE CONVEYOR MEANS FOR TRANSPORTING SAID PANS IN SUCCESSION IN A STRAIGHT LINE LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID HOUSING; A LID APPLICATOR FOR FEEDING AND APPLYING LIDS TO THE PANS TRANSPORTED BY SAID CONVEYOR; A CARRIER AND MEANS FOR MOVING SAID CARRIER IN AN ORBITAL PATH IN A PLANE NORMAL TO AND PARALLEL WITH SAID CONVEYOR, SAID CARRIER MOUNTING A LID FASTENER TOOL FOR ENGAGING SAID SECURING APPLIED LIDS ON SUCCESSIVE PANS, AND MEANS FOR MOVING SAID LID FASTENER TOOL LATERALLY RELATIVE TO SAID CARRIER DURING FASTENER ENGAGEMENT WITH A PAN AND AT A LINEAL SPEED EQUAL TO THAT OF THE CONVEYOR. 